The students will choose a major professor by the end of the first semester. To facilitate
this decision, during their first semester, students will interview faculty members
to determine their research interests and explore the potential for student participation
in ongoing research programs. The major professor, in consultation with the student,
recommends at least two additional members of the student's advisory committee. Persons
from outside the program may also be added. The advisory committee will meet with
the student to set up the plan of study based on the student's background and interests.
The program must be approved by one of the program coordinators. The student's advisory
committee will meet with the student a minimum of once per semester to assess progress,
check the plan of study is being followed, make suggestions and provide supervision
as needed. The advisory committee's composition is not binding and may be changed
upon written justification. It is the student's responsibility to maintain acceptable
progress toward the completion of all degree requirements.

Before admission to candidacy, the student must meet the minimum requirements of the
Graduate School and the student's advisory committee. Before graduation, the student
must satisfactorily complete a written qualifying examination, preferably near the
end of the third semester. One re-evaluation is allowed/ Failure to complete the evaluation
satisfactorily will result in removal from the program. The evaluation will include
emphasis on interrelationships, problem solving, and analysis. Final evaluation involves
an oral presentation of the thesis and an oral examination in the area of specialization.

Program Admission Requirements

Submit a general GRE score

Have a 3.0 overall grade point average (on a 4.0 system) in their major

An undergraduate major in the life or physical sciences, with supporting courses in
general chemistry, one year of organic chemistry (microbiology concentration will
accept one semester of organic and one semester of biochemistry), and one year of
physics are preferred

A course in calculus and/or a course in probability and statistics is recommended